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Köfte, Turkish meatballs with lamb

17/11/2023

Köfte are a highly appreciated dish in Turkish cuisine, and there are many variations. I provide you with a classic version of lamb köfte.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of minced lamb
  • 1 medium grated onion
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
  • 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Preparation

  1. Start by mixing the minced lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a large bowl.

  2. Add the egg and breadcrumbs, which will help bind the mixture.

  3. Season with cumin, coriander, paprika, and adjust salt and pepper.

  4. Knead all the ingredients well until you have a homogeneous mixture. If necessary, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to make the mixture less sticky.

  5. Take portions of the mixture (about the size of a walnut) and form small oval meatballs, flattening them slightly.

  6. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and, once hot, cook the köfte until they are well browned and cooked to the desired degree, turning them occasionally.

  7. Serve the köfte hot, accompanied if you like with tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber sauce) or with a fresh salad.

Now, to add an Italian touch, you could season the köfte with some Mediterranean aromatic herbs such as rosemary or dried oregano, replacing spices like cumin or coriander. Additionally, you could serve the köfte with a tomato sauce flavored with garlic and fresh basil, for a combination of Turkish and Italian cuisines.

Curiosity

The word “köfte” comes from the Persian kūfta, which means “to grind” or “to crush,” referring to finely minced meat. The variation of spices and accompaniments makes köfte an extremely versatile dish widespread in all regions of Turkey.

Köfte, Turkish meatballs with lamb